The next race is Valencia, where it’s all straights, braking, and traction. Coupled with the weather, it should be similar to Bahrain. Canada is arguably also similar, but Canada is slightly different, with more kerb-riding events and commitment under braking and traction.

Added to that, Vettel is mighty around Valencia. In 2008 (first Valencia race) he did the fastest ever lap of the circuit in Q2, and toppled his own record twice since then – with the 2010 and 2011 pole laps, respectively. Not to mention two dominant wins in 2010 and 2011, especially in 2011 when in the pitstop phases he was often quicker on old tyres than Alonso/Webber were on new tyres.

He showed supreme class last year too – he just maintained a 2.2-2.8s gap the whole race. Then he decided he was bored and did the last 5 laps qualifying style, extending said lead to 12s.

Fun fact: Since the Chinese Grand Prix, Vettel has scored the most points of any driver in the field.

I’m going for Alonso in Valencia, on current form. He’s got momentum now.

But I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s an 8th winner in this crazy season. If Grosjean or Perez can qualify well and make a good start (last time they managed it, in Barcelona, they drove into each other…) they could pull it off by stopping less than the others.

Not that there’s any point in even trying to predict anything this year, I think either Hamilton, Alonso or Vettel in Valencia.
There is a chance that an eighth winner will take victory in Valencia, mainly Schumi, Raikkonen or Grosjean, but I doubt it.
Rosberg also has a chance at Valencia if the Merc is good enough. Webber is not usually that good at Valencia, but if we have another new winner, than he could be the first repeat at GB. Button has been dismal of late and I can’t see him improving dramatically in two weeks and the only other places Maldonado has a chance at winning are Hungary and Singapore.

@infernojim I also do not like Maldonado at all, but he is certainly not the worst driver to ever win a race. He is actually a very fast driver. He’s been consistently fast this year and one of the best drivers of the year. The Williams is a pretty good car, so he can definitely win more.

Got to be either Vettel, or a little less probably Hamilton. Would love it to be jumbo but Seb looks good for Valencia. If we are to have an eighth this year Grosjean looks the man. Didn’t like him back in 2009, though largely because of the hairdo, but am very impressed so far this season.

By the way, I’ve heard that Alonso, Hamilton and Vettel have never shared a podium. Can this really be true?